You’ve got the idea, the hustle, and maybe even your first few clients. But if your finances are on autopilot — you’re risking more than you think.
As a Virtual CFO and Chartered Accountant, I’ve seen these 5 mistakes derail even the most promising startups. Let’s fix them before they cost you.
🚩 1. Ignoring Cash Flow
“We have money in the bank” ≠ “We’re financially healthy”
Mistake:Founders often confuse profits with actual cash.
Fix: Set up a weekly cash flow tracker — plan 6–8 weeks ahead.
🚩 2. Delaying Bookkeeping
Outdated books = Poor decisions
Mistake:Founders focus on sales, leaving finances to year-end.
Fix: Use a cloud-based tool (like Zoho, QuickBooks) & reconcile monthly.
🚩 3. Overspending on Non-Essentials
Burn is easy. ROI is rare.
Mistake: Early hires, swanky offices, or overblown marketing eats capital.
Fix: Track ROI on every major spend. Know your break-even point.
🚩 4. No Financial Model or Forecast
You can’t manage what you can’t see coming.
Mistake: Running blind with no idea of runway or targets.
Fix: Build a simple 12-month forecast — even an Excel model works.
🚩 5. GST, TDS, and ROC? What’s that?
Non-compliance = penalties, blocked funding, even strikes-off.
Mistake: Forgetting statutory due dates.
Fix: Set calendar alerts. Or better, have a CA (like me) manage it 😄
✅ Final Word
You don’t need a full-time CFO to stay financially sharp. But you do need clarity, structure, and support.
That’s what I provide through Virtual CFO services — custom-fit for founders, startups, and growing businesses.
📩 Want a quick review of your financial setup? Reach us out at office@cfoemeritus.com.
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